Fans are anticipating boy group BAE173's next steps for 2025 after completing the audition programs 'Project 7' (JTBC) and 'Starlight Boys' (iQIYI). 

Last year, the members of BAE173 split up into two units to compete on two separate idol audition programs, 'Project 7' and 'Starlight Boys'. Members J-Min, Youngseo, Junseo, and Muzin appeared as contestants on JTBC's 'Project 7', while members Hangyul, Yoojun, Bit, and Doha appeared as contestants on iQIYI's 'Starlight Boys'. 

On both audition programs, the members of BAE173 successfully garnered attention for their strong performances, showcasing the skills and expertise of industry veterans. At the end of the rigorous competition, J-Min (Jeon Min Wook) finished in 3rd place on JTBC's 'Project 7', securing a spot in the winning group, Close Your Eyes. Likewise, Hangyul finished in 6th place on 'Starlight Boys', earning a spot in the Korean-Chinese project group POLARIX. 

With J-Min and Hangyul signing project group contracts, it's expected that BAE173 will regroup as 6-members in 2025. A similar case occurred in 2017 after NU'EST member Minhyun took a break from his official group activities to promote as a member of Wanna One, resulting in the launch of the sub-unit NU'EST W. 

Meanwhile, the global 7-member boy group Close Your Eyes, born from JTBC's 'Project 7', will be managed exclusively by the JTBC sub-label UNCORE beginning in 2025. The 9-member Korean-Chinese boy group POLARIX, created from 'Starlight Boys' is also set to launch some time in 2025. 

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